Show us your formicariums and ant setup, ask formicarium-related questions, or share your experiences with building an ant home. Here you will also find formicarium requirements for specific ant species.

Can't find Ytong (AAC) anywhere so I am trying to find a good substitute for it to build a formicarium. Any suggestions? Please quote ur responses! Thanks!

I have found that standard grout can be used. You can cast it into the blocks and use a grinder or rotary grinding tool (like a Dremel) to cut passages and rooms into. Also to make it easier you can build your square form box and then use modeling clay to make the passages and rooms on the bottom and then mix and pour the grout over it and let it dry and then simply clean the clay out to revile the passages and rooms.

You can also do a search for Hebel or AAC suppliers in the USA and you will find some. Big thing is that most of them are companies that form, pour, and supply large building blocks for construction of buildings and I'm not sure if they sell small pieces but it doesn't hurt to shoot them an email explaining what your doing and the size you need, heck they may have some cast waste pieces they would be willing to sell you.

MadVampy

Head Forum Admin
Name is also Mike but please don't confuse me with Mikey Bustos, two different people.
Keeper of Solenopsis Ants.

Can't find Ytong (AAC) anywhere so I am trying to find a good substitute for it to build a formicarium. Any suggestions? Please quote ur responses! Thanks!

I have found that standard grout can be used. You can cast it into the blocks and use a grinder or rotary grinding tool (like a Dremel) to cut passages and rooms into. Also to make it easier you can build your square form box and then use modeling clay to make the passages and rooms on the bottom and then mix and pour the grout over it and let it dry and then simply clean the clay out to revile the passages and rooms.

You can also do a search for Hebel or AAC suppliers in the USA and you will find some. Big thing is that most of them are companies that form, pour, and supply large building blocks for construction of buildings and I'm not sure if they sell small pieces but it doesn't hurt to shoot them an email explaining what your doing and the size you need, heck they may have some cast waste pieces they would be willing to sell you.

Thx so much! I've heard that firebrick can be used too. Is that true?

Formica Sp. E queen - 0 workers, batch of eggs
On the look for more queens...

The problem with firebrick is that it isn't very absorbent and that's one of it's traits that make it good for use in fireplaces, ovens, and BBQ's. You want the material to be semi absorbent that way it holds moisture in the nest for the ants and that allows the nest to stay moist longer.

MadVampy

Head Forum Admin
Name is also Mike but please don't confuse me with Mikey Bustos, two different people.
Keeper of Solenopsis Ants.

The problem with firebrick is that it isn't very absorbent and that's one of it's traits that make it good for use in fireplaces, ovens, and BBQ's. You want the material to be semi absorbent that way it holds moisture in the nest for the ants and that allows the nest to stay moist longer.

Ok thx

Formica Sp. E queen - 0 workers, batch of eggs
On the look for more queens...

Here is a YT video on how to do what I was talking about with grout. Also even though you'll see people talking about and or doing it, avoid using Plaster! Plaster with moisture breaks down faster and it molds quicker, you for sure wouldn't want to use a plaster with mold inhibitors in it (same goes for the grout), thats just another chemical that might harm your ants.

MadVampy

Head Forum Admin
Name is also Mike but please don't confuse me with Mikey Bustos, two different people.
Keeper of Solenopsis Ants.

Firebrick is actually quite absorbent, much more than grout. I have used it multiple times.

I didn't say it wasn't absorbent at all, it all depends on how they manufacturer the brick. Also Firebrick on the average isn't cheap (the bigger the firebrick the most costly it can be depending on the supplier). With grout you can mix in perlite to add absorbency to it. I'm not saying firebrick is out of the question as far as use for a nest, I have just looked at the pro's and con's, the availability of it and the cost for it (you can get a pack of 6 from Home Depot for $31 and they measure 4-1/2 in. x 9 in. x 1-1/4 in, you'll have to stack them and make sure you either create a passage at the joints or make sure they are sealed between them). I found grout works better for when I'm building a nest and the few I have made had no issues at all.

Here is a YT video on how to do what I was talking about with grout. Also even though you'll see people talking about and or doing it, avoid using Plaster! Plaster with moisture breaks down faster and it molds quicker, you for sure wouldn't want to use a plaster with mold inhibitors in it (same goes for the grout), thats just another chemical that might harm your ants.

thx

Formica Sp. E queen - 0 workers, batch of eggs
On the look for more queens...

You need to get k23 refractory brick, not all firebrick will work. Then, it is easier than grout. Check pottery or kiln stores. Otherwise, if it's not available, grout is the way to go. K23 is very similar to ytong. Five bucks for a six by four by two (approximately) block, not at all that expensive.